Description
Cover has wear. Cover is linen bound. Pages are clean. Binding is secure.
This early 20th-century manual on pronunciation is a fascinating glimpse into the English language’s evolution. Published in an era when standardized pronunciation was seen as a mark of education and social status, Abernethy’s work aimed to guide readers through the minefield of commonly mispronounced words and names. The linen binding and well-preserved pages suggest a volume that has been cherished by generations of language enthusiasts. For collectors, this piece offers a window into the linguistic anxieties of a rapidly changing world, as mass media and increased mobility challenged traditional notions of “correct” speech. Readers will delight in the historical curiosities within, from the pronunciation guides for indigenous names to the exercises designed to train the tongue. A true gem for anyone interested in the quirks and complexities of the English language.